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How many legs are in a set of darts?

In this article, we will explain to you exactly how many legs are in a set of darts. There are five legs in a set of darts. It’s important to understand exactly how many legs are in a set of darts as this can influence your darts tactics.

Josh Isaacson
Josh Isaacson

Last Updated: 2024-10-11

Chad Nagel

2 minutes read

couple playing darts in a bar

Couple Playing Darts in a Bar//Getty Images

What are sets and legs in darts?

Sets in darts are the amount of games that are played to determine a winner. Legs in darts are the individual games that make up the sets. To win a set, you must win more legs than your opponent. The player with the most sets won wins the match. 

How many legs are played in the World Darts Championship?

Traditionally, a set in darts is the best-of-five legs, a format that is popular in professional tournaments like the PDC World Darts Championship. However, some tournaments have different rules, notably in events such as the World Masters, where a set unfolds as the best-of-three legs, requiring a player to secure victory in two out of three legs to claim the set. This variation introduces an excitement, and a thrill to the game of darts.

How many legs are played in PDC tournaments?

PDC tournaments are played in either set mode or matchplay mode. The rules slightly differ. In set mode, in order to win, you need to win a certain number of legs to win a set. In matchplay mode, you need to win a certain number of legs to win the match. On the PDC Pro Tour, and at the PDC Europe events, the game is always played over 11 legs. In the semi-finals, the distance increases to the best-of-13 legs. The final is played over the distance of the best-of-15 legs. 

FAQs

How many legs are in a set of darts?

Traditionally, a set in darts is the best of five legs, a format that is popular in professional tournaments like the PDC World Darts Championship. However, some tournaments have different rules, notably in events such as the World Masters, where a set unfolds as the best-of-three legs, requiring a player to secure victory in two out of three legs to claim the set. This variation introduces an excitement, and a thrill to the game of darts.

Josh Isaacson
Josh IsaacsonSports Writer

Josh has over ten years of experience as a Sports Writer. Josh has created content for some of the biggest sports brands and publications in South Africa. Josh is a creative writer who puts you in the game with his unique content. Josh writes about Soccer, Rugby, Cricket, Basketball, Darts, Golf, and all major sports.